The dimensions of âthe urbanâ in cultural studies remain undertheorized; even though most of the research in cultural studies focuses on cultural practices in urban environments. The focus of this article is methodological. The first section highlights the analytical and ethical concerns of cultural studies. The second section takes another look at the debate that took place between Stuart Hall and Bob Jessop in the 1980s in order to understand the methodological biases this confrontation has produced and how this inhibits a sophisticated understanding of urban complexity. The article then proceeds to discuss possible routes towards a more complex notion of the intertwinement of culture and the urban political economy. Throughout the paper; it is argued that the notion of critique remains central to cultural studies; but that there is a need to re-specify this critique in order to come to terms with the structural depth of urban spaces.

Inter: A European Cultural Studies : Conference in Sweden 11-13 June 2007